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Aztex Battle Rival Miami FC for Willie Nelson Guitar

July 30, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Austin Aztex News Release


AUSTIN, Texas (www.austinaztex.com) - The "Battle for the Willie Nelson Guitar" and latest chapter in the rivalry between Miami FC and the Austin Aztex goes down at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night at House Park.

Austin has had the upper hand in the rivalry this season beating Miami in each of the last three meetings, while outscoring the Blues 8-3.

The only meeting at House Park came on June 19 when the Aztex upended Miami FC, 3-1, on a three-goal performance by Aztex forward Maxwell Griffin. Griffin's hat trick in that match was the first ever in Aztex history.

While Austin heads into this match only having lost one of its last 17 regular season games, Miami comes in on a bit of a cold streak winning only one of its last seven.

The high-powered Aztex, who are spearheaded by their three top scorers Eddie Johnson, M. Griffin, and Jamie Watson, will be looking to strike early and often against a Miami team who has given more goals (29) than any team in the league this season.

Only one player from Miami has scored on the Aztex this season -- Paulo Araujo Jr. The forward is Miami's leading scorer with seven goals and has found the back of the net in each of the last three meetings between Miami and Austin.

Saturday's match has become even more important for the Aztex as of late, because both Rochester and Vancouver have made up ground in the league standings and only trail Austin by three points. However, both Rochester and Vancouver have played three more games than Austin has at this point.

Since Austin has already clinched the season series the Aztex will claim the autographed guitar as their own prize.

Austin and Miami FC are also playing this match in an effort to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Research. The Aztex have teamed up with the Breast Cancer Research Center of Texas to create "Go Pink Night." Autographed warm-ups worn by Aztex players will be auctioned off to raise money for the Research Center.

Game Notes:

Series Matchup Austin currently holds a 4-2 edge in the series, winning each the last three meetings.

Rock Solid Defense

The Aztex haven't given up more than one goal in a game since June 12 and have a shutout in each of the last two matches.

Feeling Blue

Miami FC hasn't won a league match since June 12 and hasn't scored more than two goals in a league match since June 9.

Creating Streaks

The Austin Aztex are 6-2-3 in 2010 games when coming off a win in their previous game.

Lucky Charm

Austin posts a record of 4-0-0 when forward Maxwell Griffin scores.

Firing at Will

The 27 shots taken by the Aztex in their match against AC St. Louis on July 17 is a single-game record for Austin. The previous record was 21 shots on May 19, 2010, against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Injury Update

Stephan Campbell is the only player ruled out of Saturday's matchup with Miami. Campbell has been hampered with a groin injury.

What's Next? After the match against Miami FC, the Aztex will square off against Tampa Bay on August 7 at 7:30 p.m. at House Park. The Aztex will be celebrating all Austin-area police officers and firefighters at the match.



U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from July 30, 2010


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